Ag traditions on display at Cloverdale Citrus Fair

When the 124th annual Cloverdale Citrus Fair, “Pirates of the Fair’ibbean,” opens Friday, fairgoers can expect to find the traditional orange sculptures and exhibits, floral gardens, arts and crafts displays, 4-H exhibits, non-stop entertainment and carnival rides.

It takes a lot of people countless hours to put together this annual event. One of those working tirelessly behind the scenes is livestock superintendent Annette Hinrichs.

One aspect of her job involves finding qualified people to be in charge of each species.

The fair’s livestock shows include dogs, poultry, pygmy goats, rabbits and cavies, with categories for juniors, ages 9-13; seniors, 14 and up; and FFA for high schoolers.

Both the rabbit and goat shows are sanctioned events, requiring them to follow Western Fair Association rules as well as rules for their respective associations. Licensed judges are also required in each of these categories.

“One of the most important jobs is finding people who totally understand each species, to be the individual superintendents,” she says.

Hinrichs is no stranger to livestock shows. As a youngster growing up on a ranch in Healdsburg, she was a 4-H member whose interests included sheep, market beef, breeding beef, horses and, for a little variety, sewing.

At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she was an animal science major, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and an master’s in agriculture. She and her husband, Tom, met on campus, brought together by their mutual love of horses and polo.

When their two daughters were old enough for 4-H, they lived within the Cloverdale city limits. Since there was no room for horses, they chose rabbits. Before long, the Hinrichs became 4-H rabbit project leaders.

There are 39 recognized breeds of rabbit, according to Hinrichs. In addition to learning about nutrition, handling, grooming and how to care for them, youngsters in the 4-H rabbit project also learn about these different breeds and discover which ones are best for them to raise and show.

“Tom had never been in 4-H so he didn’t realize the value until he saw firsthand what it did for our girls, Hinrichs said. “Taking care of animals teaches a lot about responsibility.”

About 15 years ago, at the urging of the kids, she brought the rabbit show back to the Citrus Fair. Five years ago, she was asked to become superintendent of the entire livestock area.

In the meantime, both girls went off to college, leaving their rabbits behind. Hinrichs has continued as rabbit project leader for the Harvest 4-H and shows her own rabbits in local, state and national competitions.

Last year, she placed first nationally in the Havana Breed Blue Variety and fifth overall at the American Rabbit Breeders Association Convention in Portland.

Hinrichs, 60, retired last year after 32 years as a teacher’s aide in Cloverdale schools. She says she loves working with the youngsters and finds fulfillment in both her 4-H leadership role and as the Citrus Fair’s Livestock Superintendent.

“I have no plans to quit either position any time in the foreseeable future,” she said.

Like she did with her own children, Hinirichs tries to pass on words of wisdom to her 4-H kids.

“Don’t wait to be asked for help,” she said. “Be aware and be compassionate. Caring for animals is not a short-time commitment. With rabbits, for example, it’s about an eight-year commitment, so plan accordingly.”

Asked what the best part of her job is at the Citrus Fair, she says without hesitation, “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and getting hugs whether they win or not.”

Poultry judging will take place Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. in Burnside Hall, followed by the Pygmy Goat Show in the Pole Barn at 10 a.m. The rabbit and cavy show begins Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. and the pygmy goat show continues at 9 a.m. Monday morning at 9 a.m. will be the dog show. The weekend livestock shows will conclude at 1 p.m. in the Pole Barn with a Small Animal Round Robin where the Showmanship Trophy will be awarded.

The Cloverdale Citrus Fair takes place over Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 12-15, at the Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Drive. Visit cloverdalecitrusfair.org for hours, prices and daily schedule of events. 894-3992.